Kisner, Sullivan among those rounding out U.S. Open field

Kevin Kisner and Andy Sullivan earned spots in this week's U.S. Open Championship via the world rankings, while four alternates from sectional qualifying rounded out the field.

Kisner enters the week ranked 55th in the world thanks in part to four top-10 finishes in his last six starts. He lost in a pair of playoffs in the last seven weeks.

He lost to Jim Furyk at the Heritage and fell to Rickie Fowler in an extra session at the Players Championship. This will be Kisner's second major championship start. He missed the cut at Pinehurst last year.

Sullivan, world No. 58, won twice earlier this season on the European Tour, with both wins coming in South Africa. He has three straight top-20 finishes at events in England, Northern Ireland and Ohio.

The Englishman will be competing in his first major championship.

The USGA had held six spots for players that possibly could have moved into the top-60 in the world rankings. With Kisner and Sullivan the only ones earning spots in the field via the world rankings, four alternates - Kevin Chappell, Jimmy Gunn, Steve Marino and Josh Persons - were added to the field at Chambers Bay.

Chappell lost in a 5-for-3 playoff at the Columbus, Ohio qualifier, then bested Alex Cejka for the top alternate spot from that qualifier. This will be Chappell's seventh major. He tied for third at the 2011 U.S. Open at Congressional.

Persons lost to Tim O'Neal in a playoff at the Rockville, Maryland qualifier. He will play his first major championship this week.

Marino and Gunn both narrowly missed out on qualifying, then won playoffs to earn the top alternate spot at their respective qualifiers.

Marino bettered Rod Pampling and Peter Malnati. Marino will make his 14th major championship start. His best finish was a tie for 14th at the 2010 Masters.

Gunn beat J.J. Henry in a playoff at the Memphis, Tennessee qualifier. Gunn will compete in his first major this week.

[SportsNetwork.com]